Jakarta – Commemorating National Santri Day, which carries the theme “Safeguarding an Independent Indonesia Towards a Civilized World,” serves as an important reflection moment for all to continue supporting the advancement of religious-based education. One such initiative comes from PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI), which through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program has contributed to the construction of new learning facilities at Pesantren Miftahul Khoir in Tasikmalaya.

Established in 1986 as a small Islamic school, the pesantren now accommodates more than 170 students, focusing primarily on Qur’an memorization and Islamic education. With financial support from HKI’s TJSL program, the pesantren now has five new classrooms and one toilet facility, along with newly installed paving blocks in its courtyard. The program also funded the construction of a four-meter-high embankment to protect the school area from potential flooding and landslides along the Citanduy River.

Prior to this development, the pesantren faced a shortage of usable classrooms, and some existing buildings were unsafe and prone to landslides. “Alhamdulillah, with the construction support from HKI, our students can now learn in a safer and more comfortable environment,” said Ustadz Joni Qodariyanto, Head of Pesantren Miftahul Khoir.
Today, the atmosphere of learning at the pesantren feels significantly more secure and inspiring. “The children are even reluctant to take breaks now because they enjoy being in class,” added Ustadz Joni with a smile.

Beyond improving educational quality, the construction project also stimulated the local economy. Around 20 construction workers were employed, including local residents from underprivileged backgrounds who helped transport building materials. “We also prioritized purchasing materials from nearby local stores. This way, the project not only provided proper learning spaces but also boosted the livelihoods of surrounding communities,” he explained.

For HKI, this initiative reflects the company’s strong commitment to enhancing access to inclusive and sustainable education. “We believe that infrastructure development is not only about roads and bridges, but also about building Indonesia’s human capital — individuals who are skilled, ethical, and rooted in strong moral values through religious education,” said HKI President Director Aji Prasetyanti.

Aji further emphasized that supporting Pesantren Miftahul Khoir exemplifies how the social value of infrastructure development can create a broader positive impact. “With improved facilities, students can study comfortably while the local community benefits economically — this is the essence of sustainability that we aim to deliver,” she stated.

With its enhanced and safer learning facilities, Pesantren Miftahul Khoir now serves as a nurturing space for young generations who are both knowledgeable and virtuous. In the spirit of National Santri Day, this story reminds us that building a nation begins with strengthening the foundation of education — from pesantren, for Indonesia.